Marc Achen

Biography

Professor Marc Achen is Head of the Endothelial Regulation Laboratory in theTumour Angiogenesis Program at Peter Mac. His research is focused on the molecular mechanisms that control the growth of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels (angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis) in cancer; processes which are central to tumour growth and spread. He has a particular interest in protein growth factors (e.g. VEGF family members), cell surface receptors (e.g. VEGF receptors) and signal transducation pathways that control these biological processes. Professor Achen received his PhD from The University of Melbourne, focusing on biochemistry and genetics, and carried out postdoctoral work at the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology in Martinsried, Germany. He returned to Australia in 1994 to join the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and moved to Peter Mac in 2010. He has published approximately 90 academic articles and is an inventor on approximately 35granted patents, many relating to tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. He has a major interest in research translation; his discoveries have given rise to five clinical trials and one diagnostic medical product in the areas of cardiovascular medicine and cancer. Professor Achen has also been involved in founding two biotechnology companies developing therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases and cancer, based on modulating angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Professor Achen's research is supported by a NHMRC Program Grant, commencing in 2014.

Research Interest

ANGIOGENESIS, LYMPHANGIOGENESIS AND METASTASIS IN CANCER